The Chief Minister has Given Consent to the 'Gaushala/Animal Shelter Public Participation Scheme'

• 16 Jan 2023

Why In News?

• On January 15, 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has given consent to 'Gaushala/Animal Shelter Public Participation Scheme' in Gram Panchayats.

Key points

• The Chief Minister has also approved a financial provision of about Rs 1377 crore for site construction and operation in 1500 gram panchayats in the first phase of this scheme.
• Under this scheme, cow shelters will be set up at a cost of Rs 1 crore each in the Gram Panchayats where competent executive agency (Gram Panchayat / Voluntary Organization) will be available to operate cow shelters / animal shelters.
• Under this, sites will be constructed in 200 Gram Panchayats in the year 2022-23 and 1300 Gram Panchayats in 2023-24. In this, the state government will bear 90 percent and the executive agency will bear 10 percent of the amount.
• A total of Rs 1377 crore has been approved by the Chief Minister for construction and operation of sites including Rs 183.60 crore in the year 2022-23 and Rs 1193.40 crore for the year 2023-24.
• This decision will provide a permanent shelter for stray and destitute animals. Farmers will also get relief from the problem of stray animals.
• It is noteworthy that in the budget for the year 2022-23, it was announced to operate cow shelters / animal shelters in Gram Panchayats.
• Continuous decisions are being taken by the state government in the interest of cattle farmers. Grants are being given to cow shelters operating in the state for 9 months in a year. Nandishalas are being opened. Cattle farmers are also getting a subsidy on milk at the rate of Rs 5 per liter.